The peony is a flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae.
According to Greek legend, the name "peony" is derived from the name of the Greek god Paean. A student of Aesclepius, the god of medicine and healing, Paean's abilities soon overshadowed that of his master. Aesclepius grew angry at his student's rising talent and attempted to kill Paean. Zeus, king of the gods, stepped in and saved Paean's life by turning him to a lush, red flower, the same flower that we know as the peony today.